HMRC has confirmed that some UK households will have their £108.20 Child Benefit payment arrive later than expected this month, because of the August summer bank holiday.
Child Benefit is normally paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. But when a payment falls on a bank holiday, the processing can be delayed because banks are closed, meaning money may arrive a day or more later than expected.
Scotland: bank holiday payments moved to Tuesday
In Scotland, the August summer bank holiday takes place on Monday, August 3. According to HMRC's payment timetable, claimants due to be paid on that date will instead receive their money from Tuesday, August 4. Those expecting a payment on Tuesday, August 4 may also see it arrive on Wednesday, August 5.
HMRC says payments can take up to three working days to clear, with bank holidays during that period possibly causing a delay. The exact date may also vary depending on the claimant's bank, as some banks credit payments sooner than others.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: end-of-month disruption
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the bank holiday is observed on Monday, August 31. Households due to receive Child Benefit on that date will be paid on the earliest working day before, which is Friday, August 28.
“Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. There are different payment dates if it’s due on a bank holiday.
“You can work out when you’re next going to get Child Benefit by counting 4 weeks forward from your last payment. Do not count forward if your payment was due on a bank holiday - the dates are different.
“Your payment might be delayed if the bank is closed for a public holiday on the day HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) pays you. Check with your bank for the date you’ll get your payment.”
Child Benefit rates rise for 2026/27
Child Benefit is available to parents or guardians responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training. From April 6, 2026, rates increased by 3.8% for the 2026/27 tax year.
The weekly rate for the eldest child rose from £26.05 to £27.05, an increase of £1. For each additional child, the rate went up by 65p, from £17.25 to £17.90. That means an annual rise of £52 for the first child and £33.80 for other children.
Because Child Benefit is paid every four weeks, a family with one child receives £108.20 in each payment period. Each extra child adds £71.90.
Treasury confirms the uplift
James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, set out the decision. He said: “The Tax Credits Act 2002 and Social Security Administration Act 1992 place a statutory duty on His Majesty’s Treasury to review the rates of child benefit each year in line with the general level of prices. There is a further statutory duty on the Treasury to increase guardian’s allowance in line with price growth. I have now concluded the review for the tax year 2026-27. I have decided to increase child benefit rates in line with the consumer prices index for the year to September 2025, which is 3.8%. Guardian’s allowance will also increase by the same rate. This means that, from 6 April 2026: the child benefit rate for the eldest child will increase from £26.05 to £27.05 per week; the child benefit rate for other children will increase from £17.25 to £17.90 per week; guardian’s allowance will increase from £22.10 to £22.95 per week.”
